Week 2 grades: Not straight A’s but approval ratings still high

Here are the 49ers grades from their 27-19, home-opening win Sunday night against the Detroit Lions:

Pass offense: Despite six drops by six different receivers and a bloody gash atop his nose, Smith completed 20 of 31 passes for 226 yards. Smith’s streak: No interceptions in 216 consecutive passes (plus 68 playoff attempts). Vernon Davis had two touchdown receptions with great open-field running. Michael Crabtree clutched up with three catches for third-down conversions on the final touchdown drive. Grade: B

Run offense: Tremendous blocking all around, and not just by the five starting linemen. Leonard Davis, Daniel Kilgore, Will Tukuafu, Bruce Miller and so many others opened lanes. Frank Gore (17 carries, 89 yards) and Kendall Hunter (five carries, 23 yards) weren’t smothered by the Lions’ overrated front. Grade: A-

Run defense: Patrick Willis flashed familiar from (nine tackles) in reprising a full-time role, having been subbed out against the pass-happy Packers in Week 1. Aldon Smith can play the run as well as pressure the quarterback (two sacks, though one is pending Elias Sports Bureau’s review). Justin Smith was, well, Justin Smith. Grade: A

Special teams: Kyle Williams made a great play retrieving the Lions’ tricky kickoff to seal the outcome. Kendall Hunter fumbled a first-quarter kickoff return, so if Ted Ginn Jr. doesn’t return this week, does LaMichael James get a try? Coverage unit allowed a 40-yard kickoff return. Grade: B-

Coaching: Jim Harbaugh’s understated handshakes before and after the game shouldn’t distract you from more top-notch scheming and executiong. As the Lions’ Johnson said of the 49ers: “They’re well coached, disciplined and do what they’re supposed to do out there.” Grade: A

I think you are being too generous with our special teams. While our kickers have been outstanding, the ball handling and coverage has ranged from mediocre to lousy. Why didn’t they re-sign Blake Castanzo?

KezarFan

Right on, Devin. Was asking myself the same thing. Especially since they signed, then cut Rock Cartwright, Costanzo’s supposed replacement.

This is two straight games in which kick return teams have been mediocre, or worse. The missed penalty on Cobb’s punt return TD in Green Bay obscures the fact that there were ten other cover guys on the field.

Good news is, this year’s offense can dig itself out of a bad field position hole. But coverage had better improve, or they’ll lose a winnable game.